🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Washington
Washington Weighs Short‑Term Rental Tax Again
Washington Weighs Short‑Term Rental Tax Again
The short‑term rental tax debate is back in Washington, and it’s shaping up to be another showdown between lawmakers and Airbnb.
Senate Bill 5576 would let cities and counties tack on a tax up to 4% to short‑term rental bookings. The goal is to raise money for housing, especially in tourist towns where locals say vacation rentals are eating up supply.
Sen. Liz Lovelett, who’s been pushing this idea for nearly a decade, says the tax is about creating “critical new revenue streams” for communities. She estimates the state needs close to a million new housing units over the next 20 years, while 35,000 homes are currently tied up as short‑term rentals.
Airbnb isn’t backing down. Their HOST (Airbnb Helps Our State Thrive) PAC is campaigning against what they call a “vacation tax,” warning it will make family travel pricier and tilt the playing field toward hotels. “SB5576 and HB1763 will make it more expensive for Washington families to travel,” said Airbnb’s Jordan Mitchell.
The company points to its economic impact: $4.7 billion generated in 2024, 35,000 jobs supported, and $300 million in tax revenue already flowing to governments. They argue the state should focus on expanding housing supply through bills like SB 6026, which encourages residential development in commercial zones.
Seattle already taxes and licenses short‑term rentals. Other states have gone further.
Washington’s proposal isn’t that extreme, but it’s part of the same national conversation: how do we balance tourism dollars with housing needs?
Will SB 5576 finally stick? That’s the question. For now, the bill is back on the table, and the conversation about homes versus hotels continues.
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